PALMER - Police raided Sam's Food Store at 1078 Park St. on Tuesday after an officer discovered that drug paraphernalia, including bongs and pipes, were being sold in the shop.

Sgt. Christopher J. Burns said approximately $2,500 in drug paraphernalia was seized from the store, and the store owner, Shakeel Ahmed, 44, of 8 Osceola Lane, Longmeadow, will be summoned to Palmer District Court on charges of drug violation near a school or park and possession to distribute drug paraphernalia. Burns said there are three day-cares in the immediate area.

Police obtained a search warrant from the court on Tuesday and executed it just before 7 p.m. The store was closed for about an hour while officers searched it. Ahmed was not there.

The investigation began on Sunday when Officer Brian P. McNally went into the store and saw the illegal items conspicuously displayed above the candy counter, Burns said.

Burns said there were eight bongs being advertised for $40 and $50 and numerous pipes being sold for $15 to $20.

There also were glass crack pipes with a fake rose in them that Burns said are known as "Lovely Roses." The rose is removed, and the pipe is used to smoke crack. A screen - part of a Brillo pad - is placed where the rose was to act as a filter. Small pieces of Brillo were available for sale in the store, Burns said.

There also were 17 grinders that can be used to convert marijuana into a "smokeable form," Burns said.

"It's absolutely illegal," Burns said about having that type of merchandise in a store.
Cigarette rolling papers can be sold, as long as stores post a sign that clearly states they are for tobacco use only, Burns said.